Real Food Challenge Organizing & Procurement InternAt — Real Food Challenge

Opportunity Summary 

Universities spend billions on food every year! Students have the power to shift that money towards ethical, sustainable, and local farmers/producers! In this part-time and partially remote position, you will work with our National Organizing and National Procurement Directors to understand and improve the sustainable and ethical food purchasing on your campus! You will learn tons about food systems, supply chain, nonprofit justice work, as well as build leadership and organizing skills that will be applicable to any future jobs. Real Food Challenge is a well known player in campus food sustainability with abundant organizational partnerships and presence on campuses across California. You will connect with students at UCs and other CSUs, as well as with your fellow East Bay students as you investigate and evaluate how your campus spends money on food. We will support you learning about potential jobs in the food justice/sustainability sector and support your learning as you work to have real impact in your local food community!

Posted by 08/22/24

Opportunity Learning Outcomes 

You will learn how large scale food supply chains work, and what the positive impact is of shifting food systems to sustainable and ethical values. You will learn about campus and movement organizing, and gain leadership skills. You will also learn about project management, goal and task monitoring, and working in a collaborative team environment. You will learn about nonprofits and remote work as well.

Opportunity Training 

Directors will provide RFC trainings, developed after 15 years of nonprofit work. These are curated trainings around organizing and leadership, as well as food supply chains and procurement. Students will receive training in google sheets, Airtable, and other associated online platforms as needed and appropriate. Students will be supported in connecting with other professionals in our partner organizations for further training. They will also be invited into meetings to witness first hand the workings of our nonprofit.

Additional risk specific to this opportunity 

We prioritize mental and personal health at Real Food Challenge and regularly check in with all parties to maintain a fun and healthy working space. With most work being digital, we balance length of meetings with the need to move our bodies and be outside. When setting up for events, we do not rush and work as a team to make sure no one is strained and all injuries are avoided.

Opportunity Application Instructions 

To apply send an application as a Letter Of Interest to Organizing@rfchallenge.org. Include basic resume information: contact info, recent work or volunteer history, and at least 2 personal and professional (professors are valid here) references. Also include a few paragraphs about your relationship to food, as well as about an experience you have with community organizing.

Program 
Center for Community Engagement
Internships
Location Type 
Hybrid (combination of on-site and remote)
Location 
Santa Cruz, CA
United States
Expected Hours 
HoursDuration
5hours per week
Students required to have a personal vehicle 
Yes
Fees students may incur with this opportunity 
No Fees will be incurred by students
This opportunity provides some form of compensation 
No
Opportunity Availability 
Ongoing